Updated So how will Intel's decision, announced yesterday but expected for a week or so, affect its desktop roadmap? As yet, precise details of Intel's new roadmap haven't leaked out of the company, but we expect it to be pretty close to our current expectations, outlined below.

Intel's fastest desktop PIIIs, the 1.13GHz and 1.2GHz 0.13 micron Tualatin parts were expected to be launched next month, and since both are already turning up in Japanese retailers' stores, we reckon Intel is sticking to its previous course.

All that will happen now is that the parts will be phased out by the end of Q4, rather than the end of Q1 2001.

We've seen no more precise a timetable for the 2GHz P4 than Q3, but we now expect it to appear sooner rather than later, with its probably timed to get it into back-to-school PCs. At the very least, we expect it to ship in time to get on Windows XP upgraders' shopping lists. Windows XP will ship in October.

We've heard hints, but nothing concrete, that the 2GHz and 2.2GHz 0.13 micron P4s might appear before November. We've also heard that the 1GHz Celeron may arrive sooner than previously planned too.